[Helen F H]

<font color='#000080'>Right, wings for beginners.

Main difference - the buoyancy is held in the bladder that is shaped like a doughnut that is held up against the tanks usually by a stainless steel back plate. &nbsp;A wing can make you float face down, so be warned! &nbsp;You dont get any squeeze on your body when you inflate it which is nice too. &nbsp;be aware that wings can misbehave if used with single tanks - the bladder can wrap around the tank and act as two seperate bladders. &nbsp;Not fun as i found out!

Stainless steel bands are usually used to keep the tinnies together. &nbsp;There is a long screw threaded bar that comes through the backplate and holds the lot together, usually with wing nuts. &nbsp;With this type of set up you will also need a harness to strap yourself into. &nbsp;If you find it a bit unstable you can get a crotch strap too.

Manifolds join the tinnies together, and can be isolated by turning the isolator knob, or by using a &quot;slob knob&quot; - a remote for that valve. &nbsp;Alternativley you can go indipendent (as i have done) and swap regs half way through the dive or by using the rule of thirds. &nbsp;You will need to work out what you want to do with this as to guide you as to your choice of regs. &nbsp;Personally i went for dacor vipers as they can be breathed off either way up which solves a whole load of problems.

If you do get a wing, be aware that most do not come with pockets so be careful not to become a &quot;cluster fuck&quot; looking like a christmas tree with everything clipped on. &nbsp;

If you want the stability of a jacket and not a harness then the Buddy Trident is a nice wing to go for. &nbsp;Plus it has a monsterous pocket on the front.

Hope that helps.

helen